The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a critical decision this offseason as they look to address a longstanding issue: the running back position. After years of minimizing investment in the position, the Chiefs now find themselves in need of a new starting running back, as both of their top rushers from the previous season, Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, are set to become free agents. While they could re-sign one or both of them to cheap deals, this may be the perfect opportunity for the Chiefs to take a different approach.

The Chiefs’ Frugal Approach to Running Back

For years, Kansas City has adopted a strategy of spending as little as possible on the running back position. While this approach allowed the team to allocate resources to other areas of need, it hasn’t led to consistent success in the running game. Although the Chiefs have managed to win games and even Super Bowls with minimal investment at running back, the lack of a reliable ball carrier is starting to hurt them, especially as their passing game has shown signs of struggle in recent seasons.

Kansas City’s frugal approach has largely been about saving money for more “premium” positions, such as quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line. However, as time has gone on, this strategy has yielded diminishing returns. The Chiefs’ running back production over the last decade has been inconsistent at best, and with the passing game not performing up to the team’s standards, the need for a more effective run game has never been greater.

A Decade of Mediocre Running Back Production

Since Jamaal Charles, the last truly elite running back in Kansas City, the Chiefs have struggled to find consistent production at the position. Charles had his last relatively healthy season in 2014, and since then, Kansas City has seen 11 seasons of running back production, with the team’s leading rusher averaging just 788 yards per season, 4.3 yards per carry, and 5.8 rushing touchdowns. These numbers place the Chiefs’ leading rusher around 25th in the league on average.

The only time since the Charles era that a Chiefs running back rushed for over 1,000 yards was Kareem Hunt’s 2017 rookie season, but even then, the team was forced to release him in 2018 following off-field issues. Since then, the Chiefs have struggled to find any stability at the position, with the leading rusher often finishing 31st in the league or lower in several of the last 11 seasons.

While some blame head coach Andy Reid’s pass-heavy offense for the lack of rushing success, it’s important to note that when the Chiefs have had a talented running back, Reid has utilized them effectively. Charles rushed for over 1,000 yards and averaged 5.0 yards per carry during Reid’s first two seasons with the team, and Hunt led the NFL in rushing during his rookie year before his off-field incident derailed his career in Kansas City.

The Clyde Edwards-Helaire Experiment

The Chiefs’ one major investment at running back came in 2020 when they selected Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd overall pick in the first round. Unfortunately, Edwards-Helaire has not lived up to expectations, and the team’s decision to draft him appears to have soured their future approach to running backs. While Edwards-Helaire showed flashes of potential, he has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, and it’s clear now that he wasn’t worth the first-round investment.

Since the Edwards-Helaire pick, Kansas City has opted for cheaper options at running back, including seventh-round picks and free-agent signings. Over the past decade, the Chiefs’ leading rushers have averaged a cap hit of just $1.1 million per season—well below the league average for running backs. This frugality has led to subpar production, and the team has been forced to rely on players who can only offer marginal improvement.

A New Era for the Chiefs’ Running Game?

This offseason presents a golden opportunity for the Chiefs to change their approach. With several talented running backs set to hit free agency, Kansas City could look to make a real investment in the position, something they’ve avoided for years. Players like Breece Hall (whom the Chiefs reportedly tried to trade for), Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne, Javonte Williams, and Tyler Allgeier would all be significant upgrades and could provide the Chiefs with a much-needed running back to take some of the pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Additionally, the Chiefs have three draft picks in the first 75 selections, which could allow them to acquire a talented rookie running back. The top prospect in the draft, Jeremiyah Love, could be an option with the ninth pick, providing Kansas City with an immediate contributor and the potential to build a solid running game for years to come.

The Need for a Balanced Offense

For the Chiefs, the lack of a reliable running game has hurt them, especially in recent seasons when their passing attack has shown signs of struggling. Opposing defenses can focus almost entirely on Mahomes and the passing game, knowing that the Chiefs’ running backs are unlikely to make a significant impact. This makes it easier for defenses to neutralize Kansas City’s offense, and the lack of a running game has limited the team’s overall effectiveness.

With Mahomes recovering from a serious knee injury, the Chiefs cannot afford to enter the 2026 season with the same approach. They need a running back who can take some of the load off Mahomes and keep defenses honest. It’s clear that the Chiefs’ reliance on cheap, low-tier running backs has reached its limit, and it’s time to invest in the position properly.

The Time to Reinvest in Running Back is Now

The Chiefs have done a remarkable job saving money at running back during their recent dynasty, but that strategy has run its course. The cupboard is bare, and it’s time for Kansas City to reinvest in the position. They can’t afford to let the Clyde Edwards-Helaire mistake make them gun-shy. This offseason is a critical time for the Chiefs to add a talented running back who can help balance their offense and support Mahomes as he recovers from injury.

Whether through free agency or the draft, Kansas City needs to prioritize finding a running back who can contribute immediately. The time for change is long overdue, and the Chiefs cannot afford to waste another year without addressing their running back situation.

In conclusion, the Chiefs have an opportunity to finally break free from their history of underinvestment at running back. With a talented group of free-agent options and a high draft pick, Kansas City has the resources to make a splash at the position. By doing so, they can ensure that their offense remains a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.